If you’re trying to get Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) through Express Entry, you might think staying in Canada is the best strategy. However, moving back to your home country and gaining foreign work experience could actually increase your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score and boost your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Why Does Foreign Work Experience Matter?
The Express Entry system awards up to 50 CRS points for foreign work experience under the skill transferability factor. If you haven’t already maxed out these points, working outside Canada could be a smart move to increase your score.
How Foreign Work Experience Helps Your CRS Score
The CRS system rewards candidates who have both Canadian and international work experience. If you work in a skilled job (classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in another country, you may gain extra points.
Example: Khalil’s Journey to a Higher CRS Score
Let’s take an example of Khalil, a 25-year-old with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and a CLB 9 language proficiency.
Khalil’s Initial CRS Score (Before Leaving Canada)
| Factors Determining CRS Scores | Qualifications | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25 | 110 |
| Level of Education | Bachelor’s Degree | 120 |
| Official Languages | CLB 9 | 124 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 2 years | 53 |
| Skill Transferability: Education & Language | 50 | |
| Skill Transferability: Foreign Work Experience | No International Work Experience | 0 |
| Study in Canada | 30 | |
| Total CRS Score | 487 |
Since recent CRS cut-offs have been over 500, Khalil’s chances of getting an ITA were low. But instead of staying in Canada after his Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expired, he moved to Dubai and worked there for two years.
Khalil’s Updated CRS Score (After Gaining Foreign Work Experience)
| Factors Determining CRS Scores | Qualifications | Points |
| Age | 27 | 110 |
| Level of Education | Bachelor’s Degree | 120 |
| Official Languages | CLB 9 | 124 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 2 years | 53 |
| Skill Transferability: Education & Language | 50 | |
| Skill Transferability: Foreign Work Experience | 50 | |
| Study in Canada | 30 | |
| Total CRS Score | 537 |
Now, Khalil’s CRS score has jumped to 537, making him eligible for an ITA in recent Express Entry draws, where the cut-off was 529.
How is Foreign Work Experience Calculated?
You can get up to 50 points for foreign work experience. The exact points depend on your work history and language proficiency.
Foreign Work Experience + Language Proficiency
| Years of Experience | CLB 7+ (but below CLB 9) | CLB 9 or higher |
| No foreign work experience | 0 | 0 |
| 1-2 years | 13 | 25 |
| 3+ years | 25 | 50 |
Foreign Work Experience + Canadian Work Experience
| Years of Experience | 1 Year of Canadian Experience | 2+ Years of Canadian Experience |
| No foreign work experience | 0 | 0 |
| 1-2 years | 13 | 25 |
| 3+ years | 25 | 50 |
Even if your total points exceed 50, you can only claim a maximum of 50 CRS points for foreign work experience.
Other Ways to Improve Your CRS Score While Abroad
Moving abroad isn’t the only way to increase your CRS score. Here are a few other strategies:
1. Improve Your Language Skills
- Retake the IELTS/CELPIP: A higher CLB score can give you up to 160 points.
- Learn French: You can earn up to 50 additional points if you can prove proficiency in both English and French.
2. Get Another Educational Degree
- More education = more points. A master’s degree can significantly increase your CRS score.
- You’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify your degree.
3. Apply for a Provincial Nomination
- A PNP nomination adds 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
4. Apply With a Spouse
- If your spouse or common-law partner has higher education, work experience, or language skills, they can be the primary applicant, boosting your chances.
What Happens to My Express Entry Application If I Leave Canada?
- Your profile remains active for 12 months.
- You can update your profile anytime (e.g., add foreign work experience, new test scores, or a degree).
- You don’t have to be in Canada when applying for PR.
1. Will leaving Canada lower my chances of getting PR?
No. If you gain international work experience, you can actually increase your CRS score and improve your chances.
2. What if I don’t have a high CRS score yet?
Even if your score is low, entering the Express Entry pool early is beneficial because of the tie-breaking rule. Candidates who apply earlier get priority if scores are tied.
3. Can I apply for Express Entry while working in another country?
Yes! You can apply for PR from anywhere in the world, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
4. What’s the best way to maximize my CRS score while outside Canada?
- Gain at least 3 years of foreign work experience
- Improve your language proficiency
- Get a higher education credential
- Apply for PNP nomination
- Check if your spouse can be the main applicant
Final Thoughts
Moving back to your home country might seem like a step backward, but it can actually boost your CRS score and help you secure Canadian PR faster. If your PGWP is expiring or your score is not high enough, gaining foreign work experience could be the perfect strategy to increase your chances.
If you need personalized guidance on improving your CRS score and securing PR, contact Ask Kubeir today!
📞 Call us: 04 260 7837
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/971529693030
🌐 Website: www.askkubeir.ae
📍 Office No. 45, 9th Floor, Conrad Tower, WTC, Dubai
